We hunt the #1 turkey county in IL. Jo Daviess County. We hunt just a few miles out of Galena, IL, which has plenty of lodging in town, shops, etc... I believe its the 2nd most visited city in IL, cute antique type of town, so could bring the wife or girlf along and let them tour the town while you hunt.
Turkey season consists of5 seasonsthat vary from 5-7 days long and run back to back.
We see turkeys all the time, year round. It's always different each year, what seasonwill be thebest....1-5, I think probably 3rd is best, though any season should produce birds especially if you give it more than a day or two. I think the 1st 2 seasons may make you work the hardest, so I'd suggest 3rd or 4th season as my choices, even 5th. You'll most certainly hear and see birds, this won't be one of those we didn't even see or hear a bird hunts.
The last 3 years just my father has been turkey hunting this property, so on our piece, only 1 bird has been claimed.
Would consider trading 1 bird/hunter for 1 bird/hunter, would prefer 2 birds/2 hunters trade, for my father and I.
Only interested in hunting a Rio or Merriam's, closer to IL the better, we're in northern IL. Shorter drive the better. Was considering MO or SD turkey hunt, thought certainly would consider other states. Assumed shotgun would be the standard....though if you know if your state has a archery or rifle option, that would be also something to consider....
Here is the link to IL turkey website and all the regulations...
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/nonresspringturkey.htm
Jan.12th is the non-res 2nd lottery deadline.
Feb. 9th is the non-res 3rd lottery deadline.
March 9th is the random daily drawing deadline.
Email or post with questions etc...
IL Eastern Turkey for Merriams or Rio...
